Field Practice an invaluable experience for Chinese graduate

NZTC’s Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) program features a strong practical component, with students gaining real-world teaching experience in New Zealand early childhood centres.

Through 80 days of full-time Field Practice, this hands-on learning offers the opportunity to gain an understanding of different teaching practices and philosophies, all while putting into use key theories and knowledge gained through NZTC studies.

Stephanie Li successfully completed the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) program and shares with us the lasting impression her Field Practice experience has had on her teaching practice.

How was Field Practice beneficial in your learning journey?

Through working at and observing different centres during my Field Practice, I experienced a wide range of teaching philosophies, environments, teaching staff, management and leadership styles. From this, I was able to learn from leaders and it allowed me to further develop my own teaching philosophy. It also prompted me to think about what kind of centre I wanted to work at in the future. Field Practice supported me to be a reflective teacher, where I could improve the quality of my teaching and learning outcomes.

I also took Field Practice as an opportunity to get referrals from centres and I believe this increased my chances of getting interviews and good job offers.

What are some key insights you have gained through this experience?

Through Field Practice I am now more certain about the importance of relationships, and have realised that respect is an essential part of this. I have come to value respect in the four ways below:

Respect for children

I believe every child is unique and is a gift. As an adult and educator, I should respect children’s interests, choices, and feelings. Providing children opportunities to express themselves and listen to their ideas, thoughts and opinions is so important.

Respect for parents and extended family

I think respecting parents’ beliefs, values, religion, and their cultural and linguistic diversity is also crucial, especially in a diverse country like New Zealand.

Respect for colleagues

Aroha mai, Aroha atu (love received, love returned). When I show respect and love to the teaching team, I also receive much respect and love in return. Maintaining a quality centre with high standards requires seamless team cooperation, responsibility for owned areas and being flexible when needed. Everyone is a potential leader in their field, and when the teaching team work together towards shared goals, any challenge can be conquered.

Respect for the environment

Respect for the environment involves recognising the importance of providing a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment for children. As an ECE teacher, I show respect by maintaining a clean and organised classroom, using recycled and natural materials, and modeling sustainable practices.